UNITED NATIONS– The United Nations Security Council has condemned “in the strongest terms” Tuesday’s attack on peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) which left one Rwandan soldier killed and eight others injured.

In a media statement issued here Wednesday, the Security Council also condemned the violence which followed the launch of a joint operation by the Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR (Minusca) and CAR security forces on Sunday, which was aimed at disarming and arresting elements of armed groups in the 3rd district of Bangui, the capital city.

The council expressed its deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the peacekeeper killed, and their deepest sympathy to the families of the peacekeepers injured, as well as to Rwanda and to Minusca. They wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The Security Council also deplored that several other peacekeepers from various contingents were injured and that several civilians were killed and dozens more injured during the incidents that occurred in different districts of Bangui.

The council expressed support for the efforts of Minusca along with the CAR government to stabilize the situation in Bangui and protect all civilians.

It reiterated the demand that all armed groups in Bangui and in the rest of the country cease all forms of violence and destabilizing activities, lay down their arms, and engage constructively in the peace process immediately and unconditionally.

The council condemned all attacks, provocations and incitement to violence against Minusca by armed groups and other perpetrators.

It reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. It called on the CAR government to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.